Fateh’ movie review: Sonu Sood goes on a shooting spree in this stylised yet vacuous actioner
Bollywood begins 2025 with a bloody nose as Sonu Sood goes hammer and tongs to create a space for himself on the high table
Feb 7, 2025, 21:11 IST
Early in Fateh when a strapping Sonu Sood, dressed in a sharp black suit, enters a large room full of cocky goons, he is told that there is no space for him inside. The 120-minute bloodbath becomes a metaphor for the struggle of the sincere actor to carve a niche for himself as a solo hero. Sonu has a booming voice and a body to own the big screen. However, in a bid to flex his muscles and serve his off-screen image of a saviour (during the pandemic), Sonu, who trebles as an actor, producer, and director, has bitten more than he can chew.
Fateh marks Sonu Sood's directorial debut, presenting a high-octane action thriller that delves into the dark world of cybercrime. The film follows Fateh Singh, portrayed by Sood, an ex-special ops officer who is drawn back into a life of violence when a young girl from his village becomes entangled in a dangerous cybercrime syndicate. Teaming up with Khushi, an ethical hacker played by Jacqueline Fernandez, Fateh embarks on a mission to dismantle the cyber mafia preying on unsuspecting victims.
Critics have offered mixed reviews of the film. Ronak Kotecha of The Times of India commends the movie for highlighting the vulnerabilities of our digital lives, noting that while its "blood-soaked narrative may not resonate with everyone, it effectively underscores the urgency of its theme."
On the other hand, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express points out that the film's tipping point "depends upon how much sickening, relentless violence you can handle," suggesting that the excessive action sequences may overwhelm some viewers.
Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times observes that while Fateh does not subvert the action genre, "the film’s international treatment — especially in the action sequences — is definitely bound to impress people."
In summary, Fateh offers a stylized portrayal of a pressing contemporary issue, blending intense action with a narrative on cybercrime. Its reception indicates that while the film's execution may polarize audiences, it succeeds in delivering high-adrenaline entertainment.